For the first time ever, several vehicles from the most beloved Disney properties of television and the silver screen were on display at D23, the biennial Disney fan convention in Anaheim.
A Great Big Beautiful Car Show is the largest exhibit ever put on by the Walt Disney Archives.
The quirky car exhibit is an “homage to vintage car shows and Americans” and features everything from a 1966 Ford GT40 MK II from the 2019 film “Ford V. Ferrari,” to vehicles seen on screen and in Disney theme parks driven by Kermit the Frog and the rest of the Muppet gang.
The A-Team, Herbie the Love Bug and Homer Simpson’s half-brained and poorly designed supercar, “The Homer,” are also on display.
But the star of the show is arguably Walt Disney’s own 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL, which was featured in the Disney classic “That Darn Cat,” released the following year.
According to Disney legend, Walt bought the vehicle for himself but felt guilty for making such an extravagant purchase, so he decided to rent it out to the studio to be used as a picture car.
In the 1965 comedy film, the vehicle belongs to Gregory Benson, portrayed by actor Roddy McDowall.
More than 30 vehicles were on display as part of the D23 exhibit, and guests could get up close and personal with the sports cars, taxis, vans and even Disneyland’s iconic vehicles that have been used throughout the park’s history.
D23 is taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center from Friday through Sunday.